Flush tank inlet control valve



Jan. l0, 1956 1 .'slRo'rEK FLUSH TANK INLET CONTROL VALVE Filed July '7. 1954 ma; m

nite States Patent O FLUSH TANK INLET CGNTRL VALVE Louis Sirotek, Chicago, lill.

Application July 7, 1954, Serial No. 441,785

8 Claims. (Cl. 137-411) This invention relates to improvements in valves, particularly, to an improved flush tank inlet control valve whereby flushing water will be admitted into an equipped tank to a predetermined level.

It is an object of the invention to provide an inlet control Valve of such advantageous and novel construction as will cause it to positively function for the fast and quiet filling of a toilet ilush tank and which, at a predetermined point of its operation, will be surely and fully closed and will so remain until such time as the tank stored water is outletted therefrom in a flushing operation, whereupon the valve will be automatically opened, admitting a replenishment of the tank water supply or storage.

An equally important object of the invention is to provide a valve of the stated character, wherein the valve per se will be normally yet movably retained in its closed position by the application of an unbalanced iluid pressure exerted on one side thereof, but which, with removal of such pressure, will automatically and immediately move to an open position, permitting the quiet and rapid flow of water thereby into the equipped flush tank to a predetermined level, whereupon, the aforesaid uid pressure will be recreated and re-exerted thereon and the valve again closed-all automatically.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a flush tank 'water inlet control valve whose housing is of such construction and design that as water is inletted thereby it will surface flow from and over the same in a downwardly directed and dispersed course, eliminating noisesome cascading and swirling, and ensuring a maximum tank filling ilow.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a tank inlet control valve having that which may be characterized as a master water inlet control means so regulatable that the extent or quantity of water ilow by or through the valve may be accurately and effectually controlled and held controlled.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a tank inlet control valve having in its construction and/ or assembly a head through which an even, smooth and dispersed flow of water will be effected and will be rapidly and quietly discharged into the equipped tank.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a tank water inlet control valve of such construction and assembly as will assure its economical production, its dependable and positive automatic operation for and throughout long periods of time, and wherein, the active components or working parts thereof are easily and quickly accessible for inspection, adjustment, repair or replacement, as required.

The foregoing, as well as other objects, advantages and meritorious teachings of my invention, will be in part obvious and in part pointed out in the following detailed disclosure thereof, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it being understood that the form of the invention presented herein is precise and what is now considered to be the best mode of embodying its 2,730,120 Patented Jan. 10, 1956 ICC principles, but that modifications and changes may be made in specic embodiments without departing from its essential features.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a vertical section through my improved inlet control valve showing the same in open position.

Figure 2 is a like view, wherein the valve is shown in its closed position, i. e., at a time when a predetermined level of water has been admitted into an equipped lush tank.

Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken on the line 3 3 of Figure l, looking in the direction in which the arrows point.

Figure 4 is a similar section taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2, looking in the direction in which the arrows point.

Figure 5 is a detail in vertical section through the valve head showing one of the water outletting and dispersing ducts provided thereto, and

Figure 6 is a detail in end elevation of the bleeder pipe of the improved valve, showing its perforated or ducted normally inner end.

Referring in detail to the accompanying drawings, the invention, generally, comprises a frusto-conical chambered housing 1 whose top is open, though normally closed by a multiducted circular head 2 of substantially corresponding diameter; a foraminated water flow dispersing cap 3 overlying the head, and a water flow deilecting cap 4 overlying and in spaced relation to the outer or upper side of the dispersing cap.

The frusto-conioal housing l has an internal chamber in whose bottom a concentrically located way is formed and in whose lower side an internally screw threaded horizontal opening is formed for purposes hereinafter described. The rim of the housing open top is flat or plane and, as shown in Figures l and 2, receives the head 2 thereon.

That portion of the housing side wall directly over the opening therethrough has an arcuate secondary deflecting wall 5 iixedly mounted thereon in outwardly spaced and substantially parallel relation. An intermediate portion of the free upper side of said wall is notched or pocketed, as at 5', and an intermediate portion of said wall carries an integral or otherwise xedly mounted outwardly extended arm 6.

The circular head 2 is formed with a plurality of spaced radially disposed ribs 7 through which ducts generally indicated by the numeral 7 are formed and have their outer ends closed by screw plugs 8 threadedly engaged therein. Outlet Ways or ports 79 are formed in and open onto the normally lower side of the head and individually open into adjacent portions of the ducts 7 inwardly of said screw plugs 8.

A plurality of relatively spaced and uni-sized ways or openings, generally indicated by the numeral 9 are formed vertically in and through those portions of the head between the radially disposed ribs 7.

As stated above, the outside diameter of the head 2 corresponds to that of the at rim of the open upper end of the housing 1. Said head is formed with a downwardly disposed circular lip or rim corresponding to the rim of the housing (as above) whose flat edge or surface is adapted to directly engage and overlie the housing flat rim (see Figures l and 2).

Aixed to or integral with a medial portion of the underside of the head 2 is a downwardly disposed vertical nipple or tube it) whose upper end opens into and communicates with the inner ends of the radially disposed ducts 7. The lower end of this nipple passes through and beyond the way in the bottom of the housing 1 through a sealing gasket or packing l1 seated on the bottom lower side and is externally screw threaded where- 3 by to threadedly receive thereon one end of a coupling 12. "The remaining end of the coupling is threadedly engaged with the adjacent end of a ush tank water inlet stand pipe 13.

intermediate portion of the nipple within the housing chamber in proximity to the housing side wal'. opening has a bleeding or escape port 14 formed therein, while its upper end portion is provided with an external shoulder slightly downwardly from its upper end.

In order` that the flow of water through and from the ducts 7 of the head 2` may be regulated, an externaliy andi internally upstanding 'screw threaded sleeve 16 is formed on or otherwise iixedly provided to the center of the upperside of the head 2 opening into said ducts directly above the open upper end of the nipple 16. A screw threaded valve having a knob 1.7, or the like, turned into and through the Vsleeve and is adapted to be manually adjusted toward or from said nipple open upper end. Thus, by varying the position of the valve with relation to the nipple open upper end, water Flow through the ductsl 7 from the water inlet stand pipe 13 may be suitably modulated or regulated.

Interposedy between the open upper end of the housing 1 and the lip of thehead 2 is a horizontally positioned diaphragm disk valve 18 made of rubber or suitable cornposition. It is formed with a central opening which snugly receives the upper end portion of the nipple 10 therethrough, i. e., that portion between the head 2 and the nipple shoulder 1S. Hence, that intermediate part of the diaphragm valve inwardly of its point of anchorage between the housing 1 and the head 2 will be permitted to have limited upward and downward movement, to wit, movement between the adjacent lower side of the head onto which the ports 7a open and the shoulder 15.

The foraminated water ilow dispersing cap 3, of inverted cup-like form, h as a centrally located opening therethrough allowing it to be snugly though removably engaged over the head carried sleeve 16 in the manner shown in Figures l and 2. In such position, it is engaged downwardly over the head 2 and the periphery of the diaphragm valve 18.

The upper side of the ilow dispersing cap is perforated while its side walls are solid, except that a downwardly opening pocket 3 is formed in one side wall.

An arm 1.9 having an outwardly extending finger is fixed to one side of the head 2 by one of the screw plugs 8. The finger thereof is adapted to be received in and through the aligned pockets 5 of the arcuate wall 5 and 3 of the dispersing cap 3. Thereby, the cap 3 will be prevented from turning on or with relation to the housing 1 and its head 2; moreover, the escape port 14 in the nipple 10 will be assured of alignment with the side wall opening in the housing for a presently described purpose.

The water iiow deecting cap 4 has a centrally located internally screw threaded vertical sleeve 4 whose diameter is such that it may be turned onto the externally threaded side of the upstanding sleeve 16 of the head 2. It is of a diameter greater than that of the dispersing cap 3 and its top is foraminated. When threadedly engaged on the head upstanding sleeve 16, it embraces or receives therein the major portion of the dispersing cap (see Figures l and 2), and its Vertical side walls overlie, in equi-spaced relation, those of said dispersing cap. A water flow discharge way is thus formed between the dispersing and the deliecting caps by means of which the course of the flow will be directed downwardly overthe exterior surface of the housing 1, i. e., it will surface tlow over and from the housing side walls in a substantially even course. In so doing, those objectionable noises associated with a cascading and/or swirling water flow will be eliminated. In consequence, a fast, quiet, non-turbulent illing of a flush tank equipped with my improved inlet control valve will b e assured.

The extent and/or character of water' ow from the openl lower side of the deiiectingV cap 4 may be changed or varied by either upward or downward turning of said cap and its vertical sleeve 4 on the sleeve 16 of the casing head 2.

At this point, it is to be noted that the aforesaid even and non-turbulent surface flowing of inletted water over and from the valve housing 1 into an equipped flush tank will be accentuated by the hereinbefore described arcuate wall 5 carrying the arm 6, due to the fact that water flow will be effected between the same and the adjacent portion of the housing wall and from the open sides thereof instead of impinging upon parts (hereinafter more fully described) positioned on and extended from the housing directly below said arcuate wall.

Screw threadedly engaged in the lower side wall horizontal opening in the housing 1 is a cylindrical valve sieeve 2Q. The inner end thereof has a seat 21 therein. its outer end is chambered and tapered inwardly as at 22. A tubular stem 23 is snugly and slidably received within the sleeve and has a plurality of relatively. spaced ways 24 formed therein inwardly of its inner end. A tapered plug valve 25 is carried on the stem inner end beyond the ways by means of a mounting screw 26 and is adapted, at times, to be engaged on the sleeve valve seat 21 (see Figure 2). Also, a cap nut 27 is engaged with an extended end of the mounting screw, serving to secure the tapered plug valve 25 to the stem and to iixedly support an outwardly disposed needle valve 2S.

Due to the interconnection of the water flow dispersing cap 3 and the arcuate wall 5 by the head carried arm I9-, the bleeding or escape port 14 in the nipple 1t) will' be positioned in direct alignment with the needle valve 28; Consequently, as and when the plug valve 25 and the Valve stem 23 are moved toward said nipple, said needle valve will enter the escape port 14 (see Figure 1).

The outer end portion of the valve stern 23 is enlarged and shouldered as at 29 and receives, adjacent and abutting such shoulder, a split spring clutch ring 30. Said shouldered portion of the stem and the clutch ring are received within the chambered end of the valve sleeve 20 with the ring in frictional contact with the tapered walls of the chamber. Therefore, when the tubular stem is slid inwardly in the valve sleeve, the plug valve 25 will be moved from its seat on the sleeve to an open position. Concurrently, the split clutch ring 30 will be compressed against the inwardly tapered walls 22 of the valve sleeve and will posi-tively retain said plug valve open. When, however, the tubular stem is slid in an opposite direction, the previously compressed clutch spring will become decompressed and thereupon, will cause the stem to be abruptly or sharply slid outwardly and similarly and positively reseat the plug valve on the valve sleeve seat 21.

The tubular valve stem 23 with the plug and needle Valves 25 and 2S have motion imparted thereto from a lever 31 mounted at 32 on the outer end of the arcuate wall carried arm 6. The lower end of said lever has a float rod 33 xedly engaged therein. Hence, as the float ball (not shown) mounted on the free end of the iloat rod rises or falls with the water level in an equipped ush tank (not shown) sliding motion is imparted to the valve stem.

The outer end of the tubular stern 23 is provided' for jointure, as at 34, with a suitable pipe (not shown) communicating with the usual overow standpipe (also not shown) within the equipped ush tank.

The operation of my invention is as follows.

When the improved valve has been actuated or opened to inlet water from the supply stand pipe 13 by or through the valve into an equipped ush tank, the component parts thereof will be in those relative positions as shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings. At such time,water will flow from the stand pipe through the nipple 10 and the radially disposed ducts 7' of the` casing head 2, from the ports 7a of said ducts intoy the4 space above the now downwardly exed' diaphragm valveV 18.

From here, the water tlows upwardly through the various openings or ways 9 in the head 2 between the ribs 7 to and through the foraminated upper side of the water llow dispersing cap 3. Flowing through the perforations of said cap it will be dispersed or evenly distributed. In such a flow, it will move upwardly and outwardly against the dellecting cap Ll, thereby partially dellected downwardly between the solid side walls of the dispersing and deecting caps 3 and 4 respectively. Water flowing through the foraminated top of the cap will course outwardly and downwardly therefrom. Having had its course thus changed or reversed, the water will surface flow evenly and smoothly downwardly over the exterior of the truste-conical housing 1 into the equipped tank. The aforesaid downward surface llowing of the water will eliminate its cascading and associate turbulence; also, the objectionable noises incident to cascading and turbulence will be eliminated and in addition to an even, smooth and quiet flowing a more efectual iiow of water into the flush tank will result, with a faster refilling of said tank.

As the level of the water inilowing to the tank through the inlet control valve rises therein, the ball lloat (not shown) provided to the outer end of the oat rod is progressively raised. Such movement of the lloat rod causes the lever 31 to be swung on the housing carried supporting arm 6 in a direction away from the housing 1. Continued such movement will outwardly slide the tubular valve stem 23 in its sleeve 20 to a point where the previously compressed split clutch ring Sil will abruptly disengage itself from the tapered walls 22 of the sleeve 20. Thereupon, said valve stem will move quickly and sharply outwardly causing the plug valve 2S to be positively or surely seated on its seat 21 in the adjacent end of the sleeve 20. At such time, the needle 23 will be simultaneously withdrawn from the escape way 14 in the nipple 10. As and when this occurs, a portion of the water ow through the nipple 10 will escape or will be by-passed through the escape port 14 into the housing chamber below the now downwardly llexed diaphragm valve 18. As the water llow continues, the housing chamber aforesaid will be gradually lled. As it iills, the pressure of the rising water in said housing chamber will be entirely sutlicient to counteract the downward pressure applied by the water flowing through the ducts 7 and their respective ports '7a. Consequently, said diaphragm valve 18 will be ilexed upwardly, closing the duct ports 7a by being sealed thereover in the manner shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. At such time, the flow of water from the nipple 10 through the ducted head 2 will be discontinued. Moreover, the now closed diaphragm valve 18 will be retained by the action of pressure exerted thereon from the water in the housing chamber below in its closed position.

When the ush tank outlet valve (not shown) is opened, the water stored in the flush tank in the above indicated manner will rapidly exhaust or outow therefrom. As it outllows, the oat carried by the rod 33 will descend With the descending water level in the flush tank. At such time, the lever 31 will be swung in a direction toward the housing 1. Such movement will effect inward sliding of the hollow valve stem 23 in its sleeve 20, causing the plug valve 25 to be unseated and opening the cylindrical valve sleeve 2@ to the housing chamber. Thereupon, the water within said chamber will be discharged at a fairly rapid rate through the ways 24 in said hollow stem and through said stem via an overow pipe connected thereto (not shown) within the flush tank. Simultaneously, the needle 28 will have been moved into the exhaust port 14 of the nipple 10.

Pressure of the water within the housing chamber being lessened, reduced or removed, the diaphragm valve 18 will llex downwardly under the pressure urge of water owing through the nipple 10 and the ducts 7' and their outlet ports 7a. In consequence, water so flowing, will discharge upwardly through the openings or ways 9 in the casing head and willllow from the improved valve into the flush tank in that manner herenbefore fully described until the float actuated lever 31 is again swung outwardly or away from the housing 1, as also above described. At this time, the initial water discharging operation of the valve will be repeated. 'Y

The extent or character of ow of water through the nipple 10 into and from the ducts 7 and their ports 72L may be regulated by manual adjustment of the needle valve through its operating knob 17.

It is of importance to here note that the improved inlet control valve, when mounted for operation in a flush tank is arranged at height above the maximum water level line within the tank. In consequence, water within the llush tank cannot and will not be back siphoned through the valve as when a vacuum or partial vacuum is created in the water supply pipe or line, say below the tank. Thus, dangerous contamination or pollution of the water supply and its entry or ow into said supply line is prevented. Moreover, since the inlet control valve is positioned above the maximum water level line within the tank, it will be understood that the need for a back siphon preventor pipe or device such as used in many types of previous forms of flush tanks will be eliminated.

It is of importance to note that the needle 23 moving into and from the exhaust or bleeder port i4 of the nipple 10 will prevent the latter from becoming clogged at any time.

I claim:

l. A water inlet control valve, comprising a chambered housing, a head on the housing above the chamber having ducts therein opening onto one side thereof and vertical ways formed in and through the same separate from the ducts, an inlet nipple extended from the head downwardly through and beyond the chamber and the housing and communicating with the ducts, a diaphragm valve between the housing chamber and the open ends of the ducts seatable, at times, thereover and at other times, removable therefrom, a valve sleeve on the housing opening into said chamber, a hollow valve stern slidable in said sleeve, a valve carried by the stem seatable in the sleeve, said nipple having an escape port therein communicating with the housing chamber, means on the stem operable with the sliding thereof in one direction to close said escape port and in another direction to open the escape port, and means connected to the stem for imparting sliding motion thereto in either of two directions.

2. A water inlet control valve, comprising a chambered housing, a head on the housing above the chamber having ducts therein opening onto its lower side and vertical ways formed in and through the head separate from said ducts and opening onto the upper and lower sides of the head, an inlet nipple extended downwardly from the head through and beyond the chamber and the housing and communicating at its upper end with the ducts, a diaphragm valve between the housing chamber and the ends of the ducts opening onto the lower side of said head seatable, at times, thereover and at other times, removable therefrom, a valve sleeve on the housing opening into said chamber, a valve slidable with respect to said sleeve and seatable therein, said nipple having an escape port therein communicating with the housing chamber, means carried by the last mentioned valve operable with movement thereof in one direction to close said escape port and in another direction to open the escape port, means connected to the last mentioned valve for imparting motion thereto in either of two directions, a dispersing cap engaged on and overlying said head having a foraminated top portion, and a deccting cap overlying said dispersing cap and partially embracing the same, said dcflecting cap being positioned in spaced relation to the top and 'sides of sa'id dispersing cap and having its side Awalls disposed in a direction toward the outer surface of said housing'.

3. AA water inlet control valve, comprising a chambered housing, a head on the housing above the chamber having ducts therein opening onto the lower side thereof and vertical ways formed therein separate from said ducts, an inlet nipple extended from the lower side of the head through and beyond the chamber and the housing and communicating with said ducts, pressure actuated valve means in the upper portion of the housing chamber between the housing and said head operable, at times, to close said ducts and operable, at other times, to open the ducts, a valve sleeve on the housing opening into said chamber below said pressure actuated valve means, a valve seatable, at times, in said sleeve, said nipple having an escape port therein communicating with the housing chamber, means carried by the last mentioned valve operable with movement of the same in one direction to close said escape port and with movement of said last mentioned valve in another direction to open the escape port, and means connected to the valve for imparting motion thereto in either or" two directions.

4. A water inlet control valve, comprising a chambered housing, a head on the housing above and substantially closing the chamber, said head having ducts therein opening onto its lower side and vertical ways formed in and through the same apart from said ducts and opening onto the upper and lower sides of the head, an inlet nipple extended downwardly from the head through and beyond the chamber and the housing and communicating with the ducts, pressure actuated valve means positioned between the housing chamber and the ends of the ducts opening onto the lower side said head operable, at times, to close said open ends of the ducts and operable, at other times, to open the open ends of said ducts, a valve sleeve on the housing opening into said chamber below said pressure actuated valve means, a valve cooperatively associated with said Avalve sleeve and seatable therein, at times, said nipple having an escape port therein communicating with the housing chamber, means on the last mentioned valve operable with movement thereof in one direction to close said escape port and with movement in an opposite direction to open the escape port, means connected to the last mentioned valve for imparting motion thereto in either of two directions, a dispersing cap overlying and enclosing said head having its upper side foraminated and its side walls solid, and a deecting cap supported above and in spaced relation to the top and side walls of said dispersing cap and adjustable to or from said dispersing cap.

5. A water inletcontrol valve, comprising a chambered housing, a head on the housing above the chamber having ducts therein opening onto its lower side and vertical ways in and through. other portions thereof apart from said ducts opening onto its upper and lower sides, an inlet nipple carried on the underside of the head extending downwardly therefrom into and through the housing chamber and from the housing, said nipple cornmunicating with the ducts in the head, pressure actuated valve means in the housing between the same and the ducted head operable, at times, to interrupt communication between the ducts and the ways in said head, and operable, at other times, to elect such communication, said nipple having an escape port therein communicating with the housing chamber, a valve sleeve on and extending from the housing opening into said chamber, a hollow Valve stem slidable in said sleeve, a valve carried by the stem seatable in the sleeve, means on the stem operable with its sliding in one direction to close the nipple escape port and operable with sliding in another direction to open; the; escape port, and meansY conneeted; to the stem for imparting' sliding motion thereto in either of two directions.

6. A water inlet control valve, comprising a chambered housing, a head on the housing above the chamber having ducts therein opening onto its lower side and vertical ways in and through other portions thereof separate from said ducts and opening onto the upper and lower sides of the head, an inlet nipple carried on the underside of the head extending downwardly therefrom into and through the housing chamber and from the housing, said nipple communicating with the ducts in the head, pressure actuated valve means in the housing between the same and the ducted head operable, at times, to interrupt communication between the ducts and the ways in -said head and operable, at times, to effect such communication, said nipple having an escape port therein communicating with the housing chamber below said pressure actuated valve means, a valve sleeve on and extending from the housing opening into said chamber below the pressure actuated valve means, a valve movable with relation to said sleeve and seatable therein, at times, a needle valve carried by said last mentioned valve operable with sliding of the latter in one direction to close the escape port in said nipple and operable with movement of the last mentioned valve in another direction to open said escape port, means connected to said last mentioned valve for imparting sliding motion thereto in either of two directions, a dispersing cap having a foraminated upper portion arranged above and supported from said housing and embracing said head, and a deflecting cap adjustably supported above said dispersing cap in spaced relation to its top and side walls, and the side walls of said detiecting cap being downwardly directed with relation to the side walls of the dispersing cap and the outer surfaces of the side walls of said housing.

7. A water inlet control valve, comprising a frustoconical chamber-ed housing, a head on the housing above the chamber having ducts therein opening onto its lower side and vertical ways formed therein apart from said ducts and opening into the upper and lower sides of said head, an inlet nipple extended from the head downwardly through and beyond the chamber and the housing and communicating with said ducts, pressure actuated valve means supported within the housing above its chamber and below said head operable, at times, to close said ducts, and operable, at other times, to open said ducts, a valve sleeve on the housing opening into said chamber below said pressure actuated valve means, a valve movable with relation to said sleeve and seatable, at times, therein, said nipple having an escape port therein communicating with the housing chamber, means on the last mentioned valve operable with its movement in one direction to close said escape port and operable in another direction to open the escape port, means connected to said last mentioned valve for imparting sliding motion thereto in either of two directions, and means on the housing above and in spaced relation to said head for dispersing water flow from the ways in said head and directing the same downwardly and surface flowing it over the exterior of said frusto-conical housing.

8. A water inlet control valve, comprising a chambered frusto-conical housing, ahead on the housing above the chamber having ducts therein opening onto its lower side and vertical Ways formed in and through the same separate from said ducts and opening onto the upper and lower sides of the head, an inlet nipple extended from the head downwardly through the chamber and communicating with the ducts, a diaphragm valve seated on the housing between its chamber and said head, said diaphragm valve being seatable at times, on the open ends of the ducts and at other times, removable therefrom, a valve sleeve on the housing opening into said chamber below said diaphragm valve, a valve cooperable with said sleeve and seatable therein, at times, said nipple having an escape port therein communicating with the housing chamber below thediaphragm valve, a needle valve carried by the last mentioned valve operable with affamati sliding movement thereof in one direction to close said escape port and operable with movement of the last mentioned valve in another direcon to open the escape port, means connected to the last mentioned valve for imparting motion thereto in either of two directions, a dispersing cap supported from said frusto-conical housing embracing said head, the upper side of said dispersing cap being foraminated, and a deecting cap of size greater than said dispersing cap positioned above and vertically adjustable with relation to and partially em- 10 bracing said dispersing cap, the side walls of said deilecting cap being downwardly directed with relation to the side Walls of the dispersing cap and the exterior surfaces of said frusto-conical housing.

References Cited in the ile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Becker Ian. 6, 1925 Sogn June 22, 1954 

